Bodhi Basics celebrates their new location and Halloween ComicFest comes to local shops

By Maggie Duffy

It's likely you've seen products from St. Petersburg-based personal care company Bodhi Basics around town. The line was established in 2011 as a pop-up shop, and the response to the natural products was so positive that owner Kim Vorperian, right, opened a physical location on First Avenue S. Things got even busier, and that space became too small for what they needed for production. So now they've found a new home in the Fringe District, where they join Planet Retro Records, Foolish Pride Tattoo Co. and Star Booty Salon. Bodhi Basics celebrates its grand opening on Saturday night, teaming up with neighbors for a block party. They'll have music, food, drinks and Halloween specials, as well as other "witchy" stuff. It happens 7-10 p.m. at 240 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. bodhibasics.com.

FREAKS AND GEEKS: HALLOWEEN COMICFEST

Given their affinity for costumes year-round, it makes sense that comic book stores everywhere would claim Halloween, and celebrate with free comics. This Saturday, fans can participate in Halloween ComicFest at a number of local stores, including:

• Emerald City Comics, pictured: From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. all guests will receive three free comics, and if you dress in costume, you get one extra for free. The first 100 guests will receive extra freebies, and there's a raffle to win a Halloween Fan Package (drawing held on Monday). 4902 113th Ave. N, Clearwater. (727) 398-2665. emeraldcitycomics.com.

• Demolition Comics: They're having a buy one item, get a second item 50 percent off sale and free giveaways, including comics. Wear a costume and get your picture taken with the beloved Rick. 4149 W Waters Ave., Tampa.

• Read More Comics: In addition to the free comics, they'll have a sale with 25 percent off all comics, toys, statues and graphic novels. Everything in the store will be on sale. Costumes encouraged. It runs from noon to 8 p.m. at 15 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon. (813) 655-7838. readmorecomics.com.